What Are the Hidden Dangers of Prediabetes? Read to Know More

Never mistake “Pre” in “Prediabetes” for an ordinary condition that will not become severe anytime soon. According to an article published by The Hindu in June 2023, the current estimate is about 11% of the nation’s population is diabetic already, with the urban population accounting for 16%, whereas the rural Indian population for 8.9%. And around 15.4% of urban and 15.2% of rural India is in the pre-diabetic stage. The overall stats estimates 15.3% of the nation’s population is pre-diabetic. Many health experts also say that prediabetes is a ticking bomb that needs to be diffused in time so that it doesn’t become a menace.

This article is a wake-up call if you assume pre-diabetes to be normal. Read on to understand how you are at high risk of being diabetic.

What is Prediabetes?

When your blood sugar or blood glucose is higher than usual but not high enough to be Type 2 diabetes, Prediabetes is more or less the same as being diabetic, as it occurs when your body stops using or making insulin properly. It builds up excessive glucose in the blood leading to harmful health conditions such as heart attack or stroke over time. Therefore, prediabetes shouldn’t be ignored, for it brings a much more probable risk of type 2 diabetes.

What Causes Prediabetes?

Prediabetes develops when your body's insulin doesn’t work as effectively. The role of insulin is to help the cells use glucose from the blood in your body. Excessive glucose starts building in your blood when insulin works ineffectively, and prediabetes is indicated, resulting in type 2 diabetes eventually. Also, high blood sugar levels can gradually lead to damaged nerves and blood vessels, posing an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and other health conditions.

Below are the factors that pose a high risk of prediabetes-

You are obese or overweight.

• You have a family history of diabetes.
• You had gestational diabetes while pregnant or had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds during birth.
• Your blood pressure remains above 140/90 mm Hg.
• Your good cholesterol (HDL) is less than 40 mg per dL if you are a man or 50 mg per dL if you are a woman. 
• Higher levels ( 250 mg per dL) of triglycerides (specific fats).
• You are undergoing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Symptoms of Prediabetes

Chances are you won’t experience any prediabetes symptoms unless you check your blood sugar levels. However, there are some warning signs that you could find alarming. They are- 

• Blurry or misty vision
• Cold feet and hands
• Dryness in mouth
• Frequent urges to urinate
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• The feeling of nervousness, anxiety or irritability
• Skin itchiness
• Sensations like tingling, numbness, itching, burning or pain in extreme cases
• Continuous cases of infections

How is Prediabetes Diagnosed?

If you have already turned 40 or are in your 40s, you should get yourself tested regularly. You can also get tested if you're below the 40s to avoid any risk of becoming prediabetic. Your health expert will run a few tests to check whether you are prediabetic. The range of fasting blood sugar test are:

Normal Range = between 70 and 99 mg per dL

Prediabetes Range = between 100 and 125 mg per dL

Diabetes Range = higher than 126 mg per dL

Your health expert may also ask you to go for an A1C test. This test gives information about past average blood glucose levels over 3 months. The range of A1C blood sugar test is-

Normal Range= below 5.7%

Prediabetes Range = between 5.7% and 6.4%

Diabetes Range = 6.5% or higher

How Can Prediabetes Be Treated?

Prediabetes can be prevented if diagnosed in time. You may experience other health problems as well if you are prediabetic. There is no known prediabetes treatment as such but you can make lifestyle changes to conquer it. If you wish to prevent prediabetes before it becomes type 2 diabetes, below are a few tips that can come in handy-

Lose weight if You are Obese

If you are obese, shedding at least 7% of your weight can help prevent diabetes. For instance, if you weigh 69 kg, losing 7% of 69 = 64.17 can make a huge difference in your overall health. It would also help lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Regular Exercise

Even if you aren’t prediabetic or diabetic, exercise is good for your overall health. Set up an exercise routine to beat prediabetes symptoms and get back to a healthier self. Your everyday routine should include 30 minutes of light exercise or any other physical activity like swimming, skipping or riding a bike. This is another helpful tip that can save you from being diabetic.

Follow a Healthy Diet Regime

You are what you eat! If you start following a healthy diet regime in time, there is a high chance that you will overcome this condition before you know it. Ass vegetables, fruits, lean proteins like fish and chicken, low-fat dairy and whole grains. Avoid consuming fried, sugary, processed foods and prefer only smaller portions to reduce calorie intake. Also, drink plenty of water rather than sweetened drinks.

You can also consult a dietician specialising in diet for prediabetes as well as diabetes so that you can have a set plan to discipline your diet.

>> Also Read: Best Diet Plan Recommended for Diabetics in India

Do Medicines Help Treating Prediabetes?

To fasten up the process of getting rid of prediabetes, people prefer taking medicine over following a healthy regime. Following a routine that brings good health rather than taking medicines has always been advised. However, your doctor may prescribe medicines if you risk developing diabetes or other medical conditions, including obesity, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure or high triglyceride.

Is Health Insurance Helpful in Prediabetes?

If you are experiencing pre-diabetes symptoms, you can prevent the onset of type-2 diabetes by following the above-mentioned tips. However, if you fear falling prey to type-2 diabetes and the expenses it brings along, you need to have comprehensive health insurance that covers diabetes by your side. Care Health Insurance’s Care Freedom- Health Insurance for diabetes your burden of treating pre-existing illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure and BMI, with unique health and financial benefits.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.